A CHILDREN'S cancer doctor has admitted to a string of sexual offences against sick patients in his care- aged as young as 11.

Myles Bradbury carried out examinations on young boys "purely for his own sexual gratification" and with no medical justification whatsoever, Cambridge Crown Court heard today.

The 41-year-old, who worked in Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge, pleaded guilty to seven counts of sexual assault and 12 counts of engaging in sexual activity with a child.

Wearing a dark suit and blue tie, the paediatric haematologist also pleaded guilty to three counts of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, one count of voyeurism and two counts of making indecent images of a child.

Police said that more than 16,000 indecent images of children were also found on a disk in Bradbury's Suffolk home.

A spokesman for Cambridgeshire Police confirmed today that "there are likely to be more victims," adding that a helpline can be called if parents, patients or former patients have any concerns.

The offences involved 18 victims aged from eight to 17 and between 2009 and last year.

Bradbury was bailed and told he would have to sign the sex offenders register.

Detective Sergeant Shane Fasey said Bradbury had been interviewed three times for his "appalling" crimes but refused to say anything.

Bradbury's offences were an appalling breach of trust committed against vulnerable victims who had been placed in his care

Detective Sergeant Shane Fasey

"Bradbury's offences were an appalling breach of trust committed against vulnerable victims who had been placed in his care.

"The families believed the boys were in his safe hands but they were actually being abused by Bradbury, who carried out examinations purely for his own sexual gratification and with no medical justification whatsoever.

"I would like to praise the victims and their families who have shown the bravery to come forward and help bring Bradbury to account.

"This has been a complex and challenging investigation, which involved working closely with Cambridge University Hospitals to gather the evidence to bring a case to court," he said.

Bradbury's abuse came to light after a victim spoke to his parents about what had happened and he was suspended by the NHS in November last year before being arrested the following month.

He was charged with 11 offences in June but more counts were added to the indictment last month after further victims came forward following publicity.

Bradbury pleaded not guilty to a count of sexual activity with a child and a count of sexual assault.

Judge Gareth Hawkesworth said these two offences will probably remain on file.

A date for sentencing has not yet been confirmed but the judge said Bradbury could expect a "substantial" custodial sentence.

As he left court, Bradbury told reporters:"I'm so sorry" before refusing to answer further questions.

Dr Keith McNeil, chief executive of Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Trust, which runs Addenbrooke's said he was "sickened" by the breach of trust.

"It is hard to put into words just how saddened we are that this situation has occurred, and our most abject and sincere apologies go out to any and all of our patients and their families who are affected by this in any way.

"As chief executive of the trust, I am so deeply sorry these incidents have happened and I am also deeply saddened, as a doctor, that one of my own profession has placed himself and his patients in this position.

"There is a very ancient and sacred trust that exists between a doctor and his patients and, quite frankly, it sickens me to think that trust has been breached," he said.

While Ann-Marie Ingle, the trust's chief nurse said Bradbury was "cold and calculating" when abusing the trust of his patients.

She said: "I cannot begin to express how sorry I and all of my colleagues are for the distress that Myles Bradbury's abuse caused to patients and their families.

"Our thoughts, and ongoing support, are with the families and children who are affected by these charges.

"His cold and calculating abuse of trust has deeply shocked us all, including staff who worked alongside him to care for these vulnerable and sick children."

Anyone with concerns can call the helpline set up by Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Trust on 0800 389 8625.